Located in a quiet part of Shinjuku, Watering Hole is the perfect place for craft beer enthusiasts looking for something different.
Watering Hole - image © Florentyna Leow
Craft beer has taken hold of Tokyo drinkers, and the scene has really taken off in the last decade. One of the relative stalwarts in Tokyo is Watering Hole, a quiet little pub run by award-winning brewer Ichiri Fujiura.
There’s a good variety of microbrews on tap - a mix of around 20 Japanese and non-Japanese drafts - which change regularly. There’s both light and dark ales, IPA, Belgian, lagers, and more. You’re not just limited to having a half-pint at a time, of course. On weekday afternoons between 3pm and 6pm, Watering Hole does beer flights where you can sample a few brews at a time.
Bottled beer is also available, and there is likewise a good selection to be found here, though some of the imported ones can be rather pricey. Stick to the local brews - that’s what you’re in Tokyo for!
Fujiura also has a nano-brewery in Watering Hole itself, a testament to his (illegal) home brewing days. These days it’s a more legal operation, and you can try the fruits of his labour at the pub.
While the staff are Japanese, a few do speak a little English. They’re extremely knowledgeable about the beer. Try asking one of them to recommend a drink. Whether you’re a beginner drinker or an expert quaffer, you’re sure to enjoy their offerings.
For more Tokyo craft beer choices, see our Best Tokyo Craft Beer Pubs page.
English name:
Watering Hole (craft beer bar)
Japanese name:
ウォータリングホール
English address:
5-26-5-103 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0051
Japanese address:
〒151-0051 東京都渋谷区千駄ヶ谷5-26-5-103
Opening hours:
3pm-11:30pm
Closed irregularly
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 3-minute walk from exit E8 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin and Marunouchi lines, and Toei Shinjuku line.
Train: 4-minute walk from the east exit of Yoyogi Station on the JR Yamanote and Sobu lines.
Telephone:
+81-3-6380-6115
Website:
Official website (Japanese and English)
Near To Here:
Watering Hole is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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